Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage (or mixed vegetables)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add the ziti, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until golden (1-2 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, herbs, and your choice of ground meat or veggies. Stir gently.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan and half of the remaining mozzarella. Layer the rest of the mixture and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Best served with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian (if substituting meat)